The results of the European elections have affected many people. But the most recent study “Youth in Germany” has already concluded: “Generation Z” is frustrated and is sliding to the right politically. Why is that? Cologne psychologist Stephan Grünewald explains.
Mr Grünewald, in the European elections it was mainly young people who voted for the right. Did that surprise you?
No. This has already been indicated in various studies such as the Youth Study 2024.
The 16 to 24 year olds gave around 17 percent of their votes to the AfD and the Union, while the Sahra Wagenknecht coalition received six percent. The SPD and the Greens together achieved just 20 percent. Are there any key events that led to this result?
No, the result is part of a general process. Society is not in a mood of optimism, but rather resigned. It looks in the rearview mirror and hopes to stabilize the conditions it is familiar with.